WHITSETT — On Feb. 7, Kelly Alexander, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County introduced House Bill 84: The North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act. What people don’t realize as it this is not only an advantage for the terminally ill and disabled; it also has potential to become an asset to all North Carolina taxpayers by becoming a cash crop. However, the negative stigma that surrounds cannabis can easily prevent the passing of this bill. I would like to raise awareness to all North Carolinians just how much we would be losing if this does not pass in our wonderful state. I hope my words will sway those with a negative opinion to allow others the chance for relief in many areas that cannabis can provide.

When someone is sick, everyone always asks: “What else can I do to make you feel better?” The common response is generally “There is nothing else you can do, don’t worry about me, I am fine.” I personally went through months of this with my vibrant and caring mother, Cynthia Jefferson. My sweet mother was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Dystonia. Very similar to Huntington’s and Parkinson’s, the pain level was twice that compared to those. Her neck sat on her shoulder and she was unable to put up or grasp anything with her hands. Her everyday personal and feeding needs relied on another person, 24 hours a day. She was not only humiliated, but suffered escalated episodes of bipolar disorder, associated with the effects of Dystonia. She was depressed and in an awful amount of pain. Constant moving made her weight drop to a saddening 84 pounds. In turn it made my dad suffer from depression and escalated symptoms of his own ailments as well. He loved her so much it crushed him to see her the way she was.

Just when we thought all hope was lost, my mother’s sister suggested allowing her to smoke marijuana, even if it was to see that infectious smile she had once more. At first, dad was sorely against it. My own recollection was nothing of the sort was allowed in his the house, but we were given an unbiased education about pros and cons of marijuana just the same. After just one treatment of marijuana, life began simpler and happier from that point on. Her appetite increased immediately, her love for peanut butter cups and apple pie creations made her weight increase to 96 pounds over a span of a few months. Her team of doctors stayed within their legal limits giving the go-ahead to use “any means necessary” to continue her progress. There were even noted times that she walked unassisted, grasped objects, tremors reduced, and sleep was more peaceful after the introduction of cannabis.

Our joy was forced to be kept secret due to the incriminating circumstances that surrounded our breakthrough. It was sad enough watching my mother be classified as sick, but also a criminal. This is why I say to you now, passing this act will remove this from happening. Legalization will chip away from the negative stigma that surrounds this plant.

It is our choice to do our research, look at numbers, and listen to opposition for any sort of issue. The time has come for our elected officials to truly look out for what best for our state. Not only will they be giving sick citizens a chance for alternative medicines, it will also provide the state enough profit to provide better treatments with proper funding for our health and safety.

If medicinal use isn’t convincing enough then examine this angle. North Carolina was the last to pass a lottery. We were the last state on the East Coast to enact yet another chance for revenue in the form of the lottery. This is our chance to be the first on the East Coast to pass the cash crop to draw in revenue without raising taxes. North Carolina could be the first on the East Coast to recognize that this is a cash crop to gain income for the state without raising taxes. Statics in Colorado have showed the state collecting $8.2 million in application fees alone. It would be amazing to see North Carolina receive a piece of that to apply toward putting our teachers back to work or building research facilities for universities.

North Carolinians should be focused on this issue to see the positive trickle-down effect that will come with the passing of this bill. The passing of House Bill 84 is crucial to our survival in this state and I hope when voting comes that enough support has been shown to claim a victory on its voting date.